NBA’s Warriors to replace ‘Red Panda’s’ stolen $25k unicycle

OAKLAND, Calif.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The NBA’s Golden State Warriors will buy the popular half-time entertainer known as the Red Panda Acrobat a custom-made, $25,000 unicycle to replace the one stolen from San Francisco’s airport.

KTVU-TV reports Friday that the team notified Rong Niu’s agent of its plan to replace the 7-foot (2.13-meter) unicycle the acrobat uses in her plate-juggling routine at halftime shows across the country. Agent Pat Figley says the unicycle will be built in China.

Police released surveillance photos from San Francisco International Airport’s baggage claim area showing a man wheeling away black bags containing the unicycle. Niu has had the unicycle stolen Jan. 24 for 30 years.

She is a regular performer for the Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. She’s also appeared on America’s Got Talent.